Our Teachers

Joanna ChaiDiscoverers Teacher

Kia ora Whãnau, my name is Joanna Chai. I have been teaching since 2007 after graduating from Otago University with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE). I married John in November 2014 and we are expeciting our first baby. Very exciting!

My teaching ethos is fundamentally holistic and influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I value the God-given uniqueness of each individual child and also establishing a strong reciprocal partnership with the families.

I place high value in “responding to children’s predisposition to enjoy the unexpected”. I seek to facilitate an environment where children feel safe to challenge, query, take risks, ask “why?”, and explore their skills as natural researchers, engaging in meaning making about their world and constructing theories to interpret reality, by themselves as well as alongside their peers and teachers. Together, we will engage in research and dialogue to find the answers to our questions.

I look forward to working with you and your family, creating a journey of learning and discovery for your child.